Kannur University offers stipend to woo students

Kannur: Eight years ago when the Kannur University opened the department of wood science and technology, it was the first and the only university in the state to offer a postgraduate course in the discipline. But it was almost on the verge of closure as students lacked interest. The university’s latest decision to link the programme to the industry is expected to produce some results.

The students are offered a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 under the programme in collaboration with the Western India Plywoods (WIP). They can enroll in the industry-linked course from this academic year.

Kannur University registrar Dr Balachandran Keezhoth said the linkage with the industry would boost the chances of more students taking up the course.

“Though initially the course couldn’t reach the level which the varsity envisaged, with the current restructuring, we hope to attract students who have genuine interest,” he told DC.

The course is restructured in such a way that out of two year course duration, 50 percent of the classes would be industry-based where the students can get field experience at the factories the WIP, one of the leading players in wood industry. There are 24 seats for the course here.

The university is also in talks with experts to formulate syllabus and an MoU with the industry. Along with the degree certificate, the students will get a work experience certificate signed by the university vice chancellor and WIP managing director. It also serves as a model for others to follow.